Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small pieces for texture.
- Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula just until no visible streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick or thin knife inserted into the center comes out without wet batter. A digital thermometer should read around 200°F to 205°F (93°C to 96°C) in the center.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool before slicing and serving.
Final Thoughts
This classic banana bread is soft, moist, and full of natural banana flavor, with a lightly spiced crumb and a golden crust. It is an easy way to turn very ripe bananas into a homemade loaf that works beautifully for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.